Sexual coercion is a form of violence that occurs when someone uses physical force, threats, manipulation, or pressure to have unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent. In military contexts, sexual coercion can have significant impacts on the psychological wellbeing and performance of individuals involved. Deployments are particularly stressful environments where soldiers may face intense physical and emotional challenges while away from their families for extended periods. Research has shown that sexual coercion during deployments can undermine trust between soldiers, damage social bonds, and weaken collective cohesion within units. This article will explore how these factors contribute to negative outcomes for soldiers who experience sexual coercion during deployment.
How Sexual Coercion Can Undermine Trust
When soldiers experience sexual coercion, they often feel betrayed by their peers and lose faith in the integrity of their unit. Victims may fear retaliation or embarrassment if they report the incident, which can lead to further isolation and mistrust. In addition, survivors may doubt themselves and question whether other members of their unit would support them if something similar happened again. These feelings of distrust can create rifts among comrades and make it difficult to build strong relationships based on mutual respect and loyalty.
Victims of sexual coercion may feel shame or guilt over what happened, leading them to avoid interactions with others who were present during the assault. They may also withdraw socially, reducing opportunities for bonding and community-building activities such as team sports or off-duty excursions.
This lack of interaction can erode cohesiveness within a unit and diminish morale.
Effects on Social Bonds
Sexual coercion can have significant impacts on the social connections that form within military units. Survivors may distance themselves from friends and colleagues, feeling alienated and alone. They may struggle to engage in normal banter or participate in group events out of fear of triggering memories or bringing attention to themselves. Victims may also perceive their unit's response to the attack as insufficient or unsupportive, deepening the rift between them and their fellow service members.
Sexual coercion can damage trust within a unit more broadly. Members who witness or hear about an assault may experience anxiety or concern for their own safety, which can alter how they relate to each other. They may become hypervigilant, always looking for signs of danger or potential threats, or avoid certain individuals altogether. This shift in behavior can cause tension within the unit and hinder collective efforts toward mission accomplishment.
Impact on Collective Cohesion
Sexual coercion can weaken collective cohesion among soldiers by disrupting the shared sense of purpose and commitment necessary for successful operations. When survivors feel isolated and distrusted, they may lose motivation to perform well or put forth their best effort. Their reduced involvement in activities like training exercises or patrols can undermine teamwork and communication, leading to increased risks during combat situations. Moreover, victims who are forced to withdraw from duties due to mental health concerns may create additional strain on their comrades, who must pick up the slack without adequate support.
In sum, sexual coercion during deployments has significant negative impacts on trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among soldiers. By understanding these factors, leaders and commanders can better support survivors and promote healthy relationships within their units. Awareness of the consequences of sexual violence is essential for maintaining high standards of professionalism and ensuring that all service members have safe and respectful environments to thrive.
How does sexual coercion influence trust, social bonds, and collective cohesion among soldiers in stressful deployments?
Sexual coercion has been reported as a widespread phenomenon during military deployments, with a prevalence rate of up to 20% according to some studies (Goldberg et al. , 2016). This behavior can have severe consequences on the individual victims, including feelings of powerlessness, shame, and humiliation, but also has broader effects that may impact the entire group dynamics.